INTRODUCTION TO OIL TECHNIQUES

Oil Painting Classes Birmingham
 

Introduction to Oil Painting Class Birmingham

I’ve so often heard art students say how much they’d like to try oils, but don’t really know where to start, or feel too intimidated to try them.
The Intro to Oil Painting Techniques course, located in the beautiful surroundings of St Paul’s church, aims to gently introduce you to the materials used in oil painting and to show you how accessible and beautiful a medium it can be.
Once you try oils, you’ll never go back!

On the course itself I’ll get you familiar with using oil paints and mediums. I’ll show you how to make your own mounted canvas frames (canvas is notoriously expensive, so why not prepare your own?).

We’ll learn to prime your canvas for painting, how to do an underpainting in monochrome, and the technique of  ‘fat over lean’.
I’ll show you how to lay out an organised palette, work with limited colours, lay down a tonal ground,  glazing techniques,  value studies, and of course the basics of colour mixing itself.

We’ll be setting up still life’s that are stimulating and contain drama. We’ll be looking at how to tackle a landscape, portraits, the benefits of studying a Master copy painting, and painting the figure using this most versatile of mediums.

The 10-week course will cost  £250 in total, which can be paid in two instalments after confirming your place with a deposit of £100.

Unfortunately, I can only offer a maximum of 10 places for each class, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

 Although the course is suitable for students who have never previously tried oil painting, some basic knowledge or experience of painting, in general, would be beneficial. 

All basic materials will be provided, including easels, brushes, palettes, and paints. Although a personal sketchbook is certainly not mandatory, I recommended it.

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Oil Painting Q&A

Oil Painting Course Dates

Wednesday evening 10 week course (18:30-21:00):

Start date- 2nd May

End date- 4th July

Saturday afternoon 10 week course (13:00-15:30):

Start date- 28th April

End date- 30th June

Wednesday evening 10 week course (18:30-21:00):

Start date- 12th September

End date- 14th November

Saturday afternoon 10 week course (13:00-15:30):

Start date- 15th September

End date- 17th November

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I choose a class or workshop?
Easy! Just go to the 'Book an Art Class' section of the website and choose between the two types of course on offer and which day and time suits you best. It's a clear, step-by-step process from there.
I’m a first-time art student ― what class should I take?
That all depends on what kind of materials you want to use. The Drawing and Painting Techniques course will introduce you to a number of different materials and approaches, which will include pencil, charcoal, pastel, watercolour, acrylic, ink, and mixed media. You can go at your own pace and it is generally assumed that you are a beginner.
Whereas the Intro to Oil painting class focuses exclusively on painting with this beautiful medium, it is also certainly suitable for beginners as well.
Is there a break during the class?
Although I often begin a class with a demonstration, especially if I'm introducing a new technique, students are free to make a hot drink at any time. There are no specific breaks, just go and help yourself!
How do I register?
You can register by going to the 'Book an Art Class' section of the website, choosing which course suits you best, and following the step-by-step instructions all the way through to payment. You will receive a confirmation email after you have booked.
Are materials included in tuition prices?
Indeed they are. I supply almost all the art materials. The only thing I ask students to bring in for the 'Drawing and Painting Techniques' class is an A3 drawing/painting pad.
As for the 'Intro to Oil Painting' course, I supply everything except I ask students to bring in an old rag so as to wipe your brushes while you paint.
What happens if I miss a class?
Please contact me beforehand if you cannot make a class, then we can try and swap it with a Thursday or Saturday session instead (if there is a space available). Unfortunately, due to demand, any missed classes cannot be carried over into a new semester.
Where will the classes be held?
The classes are held at St Paul's Church, St Paul's Square, in the Jewellery Quarter. The sessions have the added bonus of a beautiful stained glass window backdrop for your viewing pleasure, in a beautiful building that dates back to the 18th Century.
How long are the courses?
The 'Intro to Oil Painting' course runs for 10 weeks consecutively.
The Drawing and Painting Techniques course, in its entirety, will run for 12 weeks, although students can decide whether to book for 4, 8, or 12 weeks.
Is there Parking?

There is parking around the building itself which is free from 7.30pm onwards, £3 per hour before. There is also a carpark at Snow Hill Station and Ludgate Hill which is a 3 minute walk away.

Once I have completed the course can I book again?
Students often book on the courses again, and are of course most welcome to do so. Each semester follows a similar structure, but I often introduce new techniques and exercises.
How is each class structured?
I usually begin a session with a demonstration of the new technique I will be introducing that day, followed by a warm up exercise for the students. Then students can explore the theme we are working on at their own pace.
I always provide plenty of feedback and individual tuition if needed.

Art Courses Birmingham Testimonials

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This course was a lifesaver for me and provided a wonderful opportunity to develop my oil painting skills. The expert instruction and demonstration delivered with such ease by Peter made the whole experience so enjoyable. Too much information I will need to enrol on a future course to process this one! Thank you Peter.

Mary Blackall

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I wanted to draw and paint all my life, particularly as this was not part of school in India at the time! So I waited until I retired and joined Peter’s class. I have had the opportunity to try different mediums and techniques. I even dared to draw in a museum setting with Peter’s encouragement. I have enjoyed learning and continue to do so because the atmosphere in the class is very informal and relaxed. I never thought I would be able to draw and paint but with Peter’s help, I am thoroughly enjoying it. Peter is a passionate, interested teacher

Dr. Prema Iyengar

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Art is a challenge, a pleasure and a struggle. It is also rewarding and a creative escape so a wonderful antidote to stress. Since joining Peter’s ‘Painting for Pleasure’ group in 2015 I have experienced all of the above. But above all, my knowledge and skills in pursuit of progress have been nurtured, nudged, directed and guided by the most skilful approach and ‘light touch’ of Peters’ tutorledge. He invites you to join in his passion and delight of colour and ‘mark making’ whilst exploring art through the ages, both classical and contemporary styles, but above all through the sheer pleasure of ‘having a go’! The atmosphere Peter creates is supportive and inclusive of all abilities. He knows how-to guide, lead, and deliver what can be a challenging subject and is able to do this with skill, humour, experience and passion. All the ingredients, in my opinion, of a much-valued teacher

Lynette

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I initially contacted Peter to have one to one painting lessons which were absolutely great and I learnt so much. He then told me about the Saturday painting classes he runs in St Paul’s Church and I just had to check it out! From my first visit till today I am so amazed by the space in which we get to paint. The church itself is such an inspiration. Peter allows us through his own demos and guidance to try out new styles of paintings. Each week is a different style and I look forward to having a go (not always feeling confident to start but as there are other painters in the same position we all have a good time trying it out!) There are weeks when I just want to do my own painting and Peter has given me tips on how to do that. So the classes are what you make them too! I absolutely love my Saturday painting class and highly recommended it to anyone wanting to paint, whether it be for the first time or someone who feels like they don’t have the time or space at home. It’s given me back my love of painting. I’ve now got the time and space to do it and have met some great people to paint with. Thanks Peter!

Vas

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Peter’s classes are perfect for the novice. Everything is provided. You are only asked to bring a rag to wipe your brushes or take excess paint off the canvas. He takes the time to explain the materials and how to get the best out of them, setting tasks that help you explore and get used to oil paints and how they work. In the first few weeks, he also teaches how to stretch canvases and mix colours. Everyone is allowed to work at their own pace and he encourages each person with advice and guidance to help them achieve the best results and gain in confidence. I would highly recommend his classes.

Gill

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Peter is an inspiration and has a wealth of knowledge on skills and techniques gained through his ongoing work as a professional practising artist. I now totally embrace oils as my weapon of choice – what a fantastic medium! All this is down to, firstly Peters recommendation I should try oils and then his enthusiasm and guidance. Id recommend his classes unreservedly!”

Gareth

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I have been doing lessons with Peter for over one year. Learning with him is quite fun but effective at the same time. Although he plans the topic for each lesson, he is quite flexible and allows people to go at their own pace. He is also happy for students to develop their own work during lessons if they prefer to, while helping them with comments alongside. He always looks at the work I do outside of the lessons when I email them and gives his views and suggestions on how to improve them. Thanks Peter, very much appreciated.

Shikha

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I have been attending classes with Peter for three years. I have vastly improved my painting in that time. He draws on the positives of what you paint and builds your confidence. He also comments on how to improve. He makes the class interesting by setting various themes; paintings styles from different cultures or painting in the style of a particular artist. His classes are engaging and very interesting – he encourages us to explore different painting techniques and helps develop your own style of painting. He is a very enthusiastic tutor and passionate about his craft and keen to share his knowledge with students.

Ganisha